Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Batchelor businesses receive boost from NT Government tourism grants

The Batchelor Butterfly Farm will be upgraded, solar power will be installed at the Rum Jungle Bungalows and new cabins will be built at the Litchfield Tourist Park as a result of Northern Territory Government tourism infrastructure grants.

Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Adam Giles said the Batchelor region projects were successful under the Government's $4.75 million Tourism Infrastructure Development Fund.

"The Northern Territory Government is committed to expanding the range of tourism experiences on offer in the Territory, particularly in our regional and remote areas, so we can create more jobs and drive economic development in these communities," he said.

"This is the largest Government tourism grant program in the Territory's history. It is a significant boost for the NT tourism industry that will help attract more visitors here and encourage them to stay longer."

The three projects announced in the Batchelor region today are:

Batchelor Butterfly Farm - $27,272 – Upgrades to the butterfly house including a new cover and boardwalk with central lookout platform

Rum Jungle Bungalows - $30,000 – Installation of solar power and a water bore

Litchfield Tourist Park - $65,000 – Building a new luxury two bedroom family cabin

Member for Daly Gary Higgins said he was delighted local businesses in his electorate were being supported under the Country Liberals Government's tourism grant program.

"The Batchelor Butterfly Farm has been operating now for 20 years and has been a popular destination for domestic and international tourists to stop at on their way to Litchfield National Park," he said.

"This funding will help upgrade their main attraction, the Butterfly House, allowing for the installation of a new cover to provide better protection from the sun and better protection for the butterflies from predators.

"A new central boardwalk with a viewing platform providing 360 degree views within the Butterfly House will also be constructed. As a result of these design upgrades, a separate breeding station will be established to ensure a high quality and sustainable source of butterflies for the Butterfly Farm."

Mr Giles said Rum Jungle Bungalows would receive a grant to bring solar power to their bungalows and install a water bore, which will help significantly reduce the two major running costs of their business.

"Having the bungalows run on solar power will enhance the reputation of the business as an environmentally sustainable operation while the water bore will allow the business to improve the quality of their tropical and native gardens," he said.

Mr Higgins said the new development at Litchfield Tourist Park would suit travelling families and small groups, and would be based on prototype cabins built two years ago that had proven very successful.

"Sleeping up to six people, the themed cabin will celebrate the region's pastoral heritage and the Territory's unique tropical lifestyle," Mr Higgins said.

Mr Giles said a thriving tourism industry would help to develop our regions, boost local businesses, create more jobs and grow the Territory economy.

"It's all part of the Country Liberals Government's plan to drive the development of North Australia and build a $2.2 billion visitor economy by 2020," he said.